Biopic

Watch Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan Harmonize With Edward Norton’s Pete Seeger in ‘A Complete Unknown’ Scene

The Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown is two weeks away from release, and Billboard is sharing an exclusive clip from the project.

In the video, Timothée Chalamet portrays the icon alongside Edward Norton’s Pete Seeger. The duo sit down together at a gathering with their guitars to perform Dylan’s 1964 hit “When the Ship Comes In,” harmonizing at the chorus: “And the sea will split/ And the ships will hit/ And the sands on the shoreline will be shaking.”

Earlier this month, Dylan himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to give the film his stamp of approval. “There’s a movie about me opening soon called A Complete Unknown (what a title!). Timothee Chalamet is starring in the lead role,” he wrote. “Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me. The film’s taken from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric – a book that came out in 2015. It’s a fantastic retelling of events from the early ‘60s that led up to the fiasco at Newport. After you’ve seen the movie read the book.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Floored,” Chalamet, who is doing his own singing for the film, tweeted in response. “I am so grateful. Thank you Bob.”

Trending on Billboard

Also starring Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz and Scoot McNairy, the biographical drama was inspired by Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric. Director James Mangold revealed that the “Blowin’ in the Wind” artist personally gave feedback on the script.

Chalamet has said he’s been honing his portrayal of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer for years, working with a movement coach, taking a “spirit-gathering” road trip to the Minnesota native’s early stomping grounds, as well as working with a harmonica coach for five years to nail the singer’s signature style.

A Complete Unknown is out Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Watch the Billboard exclusive scene above.

Bob Dylan Praises ‘A Complete Unknown’ Biopic & ‘Brilliant Actor’ Timothée Chalamet

The upcoming biopic about Bob Dylan, A Complete Unknown, is just weeks away from release, and the “Subterranean Homesick Blues” legend took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday (Dec. 4) to give the film, as well as starring actor Timothée Chalamet, his stamp of approval.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“There’s a movie about me opening soon called A Complete Unknown (what a title!). Timothee Chalamet is starring in the lead role,” he wrote. “Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me. The film’s taken from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric – a book that came out in 2015. It’s a fantastic retelling of events from the early ‘60s that led up to the fiasco at Newport. After you’ve seen the movie read the book.”

Also starring Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz and Scoot McNairy, the biographical drama was inspired by Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric. Director James Mangold revealed that the “Blowin’ in the Wind” artist personally gave feedback on the script.

Trending on Billboard

Earlier this year, fans first spotted Chalamet filming as Dylan in New York. Mangold previously confirmed that the actor would do his own singing for the flick, which hits theaters on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). “It’s such an amazing time in American culture,” the director noted at the time. “The story of a young, 19-year-old Bob Dylan coming to New York with, like, $2 in his pocket and becoming a worldwide sensation within three years — first being embraced into the family of folk music in New York and then, of course, kind of outrunning them at a certain point as his star rises so beyond belief.”  To prepare, the Wonka star says he sifted through 12 hours’ worth of unreleased Dylan songs, sent to him by the musician’s longtime manager and A Complete Unknown producer Jeff Rosen.

Madonna Asks Fans If Her Biopic Should Be a Series Rather Than a Film: ‘I Cannot Make This in the Normal Way’

Madonna is thinking of readjusting how she presents her much-awaited upcoming biopic.

The Queen of Pop took to Instagram on Monday (Nov. 18) to share a series of recent selfies and photos, reflecting in the caption on the difficulties she’s been facing in telling the story of her life. “After struggling for days in LA , listening to producers and agents Tell me why I couldn’t make my film —I(been working on it for 4 years!!!),” she began. “Downsize-down scale -think smaller-they say—I realized that everything in my life is going to be challenged.”

Madonna continued that the experience as well as hanging out with “creative friends” has allowed her to “think outside the box,” noting, “I did not have a normal life. I cannot make this in the normal way.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

She continued, “We cannot shrink and make ourselves smaller. If you want something badly enough in life— the whole universe will conspire to [help] you get it.”

Trending on Billboard

Ultimately, the “Material Girl” singer asked fans for their input, asking if she should make the “story of my life into a series or a feature film,” with much of the comment section agreeing that she should, in fact, make a multiple-part show. See her post here.

The film, initially announced in 2020, was set to delve into the life and career of the beloved musician, and Inventing Anna actress Julia Garner was rumored to have been offered the role of portraying the pop superstar. However, in 2023, the biopic was reportedly put on hold at Universal Pictures for Madonna to focus on her global Celebration Tour.

In July 2024, the biopic seemed to be back in the works. She took to Instagram to share a slideshow of photos in which she’s seen posing with a typewriter, writing a screenplay titled Who’s That Girl, in reference to her 1987 film and song of the same name. While the script is blurred, there are circles and notes indicating edits.

Jon M. Chu Says Upcoming Britney Spears Film Is About Treatment of ‘Stars That We Think We Own’

Jon M. Chu is giving a bit of insight into the highly anticipated film about the life and career of pop princess Britney Spears.

“I cannot talk much about the Britney story other than I have been a Britney fan for many years,” the director told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview. “I saw her when she was one of 12 acts at the Shrine Auditorium. I’ve gone to many of her shows, and she’s always been someone I’ve looked up to. She represents a generation of people growing up in the 2000s and late ’90s, and she has a story that deserves to be told properly. There’s a lot about us in it.”

He continued that “we haven’t written the script yet, we haven’t hired a writer yet. But in this initial conception, I think it’s a lot about how we treat people, young people, stars that we think we own, women, mothers.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

According to Variety, Universal Pictures landed the rights to the pop princess’ best-selling memoir The Woman in Me. The best-selling book chronicles Spears’ rise to fame, her relationship with fellow child star Justin Timberlake — which included her getting pregnant and having an abortion during their time together — as well as her life under a highly restrictive 13-year conservancy. Chu was tapped to direct, and Marc Platt will produce.

Trending on Billboard

“The project I might be doing isn’t a biopic story … it’s a fictional musical where I play an extremely intelligent character !!!,” Spears wrote on Instagram in September. She added, “It’s flattering to be in such good company like Jon Chu !!!”

Atomic Dog: Eddie Murphy To Play George Clinton In Biopic

HipHopWired Featured Video
Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's

Source: Leon Bennett / Getty

Eddie Murphy is about to bring another legend’s story to the big screen. He is set to play George Clinton in an upcoming biopic.

As spotted on Variety Magazine the comedic talent has been slotted to star in the film that will spotlight the career of the Godfather of Funk. According to the announcement the project will directed by Bill Condon of Chicago and Dream Girls fame. For the script Virgil Williams has been tasked with updating the original which was penned by Max Werner. Catherine Davis, a life long fan of George Clinton, is credited with bringing the idea to Eddie Murphy. The movie will be based on the Parliament-Funkadelic founder’s 2014 memoir Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You? In it he details his early beginnings growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey and following his passion for music. The book reveals his many ups and downs as a musician including formation of P-Funk, financial hardships, life on the road, and more.

George Clinton’s musical stylings have had a direct influence Hip-Hop; specifically G-Funk. The D.O.C.’s breakout hit “It’s Funky Enough” is often cited as giving life to the sub genre but Dr. Dre’s classic The Chronic is viewed by many as the defining work. Clinton would also collaborate with some of the culture’s most brilliant minds including Snoop Dogg, OutKast, Wu-Tang Clan and more. At this time there is no tentative release date for the untitled George Clinton biopic. The film will be produced by Eddie Murphy Productions.

Watch Timothée Chalamet Sing ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ in New Bob Dylan Biopic Teaser

Timothée Chalamet is channeling Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic about the legendary singer-songwriter, and in a new teaser for the film released on Tuesday (Oct. 29), the actor is seen performing Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In the nearly two-minute long clip, Chalamet is heard singing the politically driven 1965 hit over an old-school film vignette featuring scenes from the upcoming film. Additionally, Chalamet recreates portions of the “Subterranean Homesick Blues” music video, in which he holds up cue cards with lyrics on them.

Earlier this year, fans first spotted Chalamet filming as Dylan in New York. Director James Mangold previously confirmed that the actor would do his own singing for the flick, which hits theaters this December. “It’s such an amazing time in American culture,” the director noted at the time. “The story of a young, 19-year-old Bob Dylan coming to New York with, like, $2 in his pocket and becoming a worldwide sensation within three years — first being embraced into the family of folk music in New York and then, of course, kind of outrunning them at a certain point as his star rises so beyond belief.”  To prepare, the Wonka star says he sifted through 12 hours’ worth of unreleased Dylan songs, sent to him by the musician’s longtime manager and A Complete Unknown producer Jeff Rosen.

Trending on Billboard

Also starring Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz and Scoot McNairy, the biographical drama was inspired by Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric. Mangold revealed last year that the “Blowin’ in the Wind” artist personally gave feedback on the script.

Watch the newest A Complete Unknown teaser below.

DMX’s Family Denies Working With Irv Gotti On Documentary About The Rapper

HipHopWired Featured Video
2023 City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty

It seems Irv Gotti does not have the green light to produce a documentary on DMX. The rapper’s family has denied working with the mogul on any upcoming content.

As reported by Hypebeast, the late great MC’s estate has made it clear that they are not in business with the Murder Inc. Records founder to create a project based on Darkman X. His ex-wife Tashera Simmons took to Instagram to make a formal statement on the matter. “In light of the recent speculation, we want to clarify that we are not currently working with Irv Gotti, nor have we agreed to partner with him on any content related to Earl Simmons, including a biopic,” she wrote.

She went on to add that they will be very thoughtful and intentional on how they bring his story to life. “Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, is an iconic figure in the music industry whose life and story hold significant importance. As we move forward with any potential projects related to his legacy, we are committed to ensuring that they are handled with the utmost respect and integrity,” she added.

“We appreciate the support and interest from fans and the public regarding Earl Simmons’ story. Any official announcements regarding future projects will be communicated through our official channels.”

Last week, Irv Gotti confirmed that he had a “minor” stroke back in February. “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” his representative said in an exclusive statement to the Shade Room. “He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life.” In that same report the celebrity news site reported that Gotti revealed he was working on the DMX biopic. He has yet to formally respond to Tashera Simmons’ statement.

Bob Dylan to Contribute ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ Cover for Ronald Reagan Biopic

Bob Dylan will contribute a cover of Cole Porter’s “Don’t Fence Me In” for the upcoming biopic about Ronald Reagan.

The forthcoming film, which stars Dennis Quaid as the 40th President of the United States, will also feature music by Gene Simmons, Clint Black and Tanya Tucker, according to Spin.

Dylan’s rendition of the Porter-written classic, which was popularized by Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters, Gene Autry, Kate Smith and more performers in the 1940s, will reportedly play during the end credits of Reagan.

“I was honored to have Bob join our film,” Quaid said in a statement to Spin. “We gave him the freedom to do any song he wanted to do, whether an original or a cover, and he chose ‘Don’t Fence Me In.’ That was extra special since it was a song that Gene made famous. Bob is a great lover of the American Songbook and we were delighted with the way he delivered the song. He’s a national treasure and was the perfect addition to the film.”

Trending on Billboard

The Sean McNamara-directed film, which hits theaters on Aug. 30, will also include Simmons’ version of the 1930s standard “Stormy Weather” and Black’s take on John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” according to Spin.

Reagan will include major events throughout the former president’s lifetime, including difficulties with childhood bullies, his time in the Screen Actors Guild, and his rise in U.S. politics. Watch a trailer for the film here.

The biopic has an all-star cast that includes Jon Voight (playing Viktor Petrovich), Mena Suvari (Reagan’s first wife Jane Wyman), Lesley-Anne Down (Margaret Thatcher), David Henrie (teenage Reagan), Kevin Dillon (Jack Warner), Amanda Righetti and Justin Chatwin (Reagan’s parents, Nelle and Jack), and Creed’s Scott Stapp (Frank Sinatra).

Sam Asghari Hopes Britney Spears Biopic Will ‘Do Justice By Her Legacy’

Sam Asghari wants his ex-wife’s story to be told properly.

The actor discussed the potential Britney Spears biopic in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, while on the red carpet for his new Prime Video film, Jackpot. “I just hope that they have her approval and everything, and they do justice by her legacy, because it’s a really strong one,” he told the publication. When asked if he had an actor in mind to portray him in the film, Asghari replied, “I’m really just focusing on my craft.”

According to Variety, Universal Pictures landed the rights to the pop princess’ best-selling memoir The Woman in Me. The best-selling book chronicles Spears’ rise to fame, her relationship with fellow child star Justin Timberlake — which included her getting pregnant and having an abortion during their time together — as well as her life under a highly restrictive 13-year conservancy.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Wicked director Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt are reportedly leading the film’s development. Spears also took to X earlier this month to reveal that she’s been working on a “secret project” with Platt. “Excited to share with my fans that I’ve been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. He’s always made my favorite movies … stay tuned,” she wrote.

Trending on Billboard

The “Hold Me Closer” singer and Asghari began dating after they met on the set of Spears’ “Slumber Party” music video in 2016. After dating for five years, the couple got engaged in September 2021 and soon tied the knot in a star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022. Just a month before their wedding, Spears revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.

In August 2023, Asghari filed for divorce from the pop star in Los Angeles Superior Court. The filing notes that the couple separated on July 28, with Asghari citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce.

Here’s Our Dream Cast for Britney Spears’ Biopic

Britney Spears is reportedly the latest star to document her life via biopic.

According to Variety, Universal Pictures landed the rights to the pop princess’ best-selling memoir The Woman in Me. The book chronicles Spears’ rise to fame, her relationship with fellow child star Justin Timberlake — which included her getting pregnant and having an abortion during their time together — as well as her life under a highly restrictive 13-year conservancy.

The Woman in Me quickly became a best seller. In the day following its arrival in October, Spears stated the book was “the highest selling celebrity memoir in history” within its first day on shelves.

Wicked director Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt are reportedly leading the film’s development. Spears also took to X earlier this month to reveal that she’s been working on a “secret project” with Platt. “Excited to share with my fans that I’ve been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. He’s always made my favorite movies … stay tuned,” she wrote.

In anticipation of the potential biopic, we’ve compiled a list of our dream cast to portray the key people in Spears’ life, from the pop princess herself, family and exes to industry peers, reporters and more. See below.